A North Belfast primary school is celebrating after winning a major football tournament.
Holy Cross were crowned champions of the Belfast Primary Schools’ Football Association grassroots five-a-side competition 2020 after a tense final against St John the Baptist PS.
The showdown took place at Shankill Leisure Centre as part of a three week-long league sponsored by Northern Ireland’s largest independent telecommunications company, Rainbow Communications.
More than 250 schoolchildren – and 36 teams – took part in the battle to get to the final two, where Holy Cross beat St John the Baptist 1-0.
Other primary schools which made it to the final seven included Christ the Redeemer, St. Clare's, St Oliver Plunkett, Sacred Heart and Seaview.
The Belfast Primary Schools’ Football Association has been committed to the assistance and development of promising young players within the game for over 90 years.
By allowing students of all capabilities and gender to come together and compete, the association aims to improve the mental, moral and physical development of school pupils.
Mervyn Bryson, Belfast Primary Schools’ Football Association Chairman, said: “Congratulations to Holy Cross which made it over the finishing line first with a real team effort and a passionate performance and to the St John the Baptist team which really pushed it the max to keep them at bay.
“The Belfast Primary Schools’ five-a-side is an amazing tournament and it’s a joy to see the work, passion and commitment that all our participants make every year.
"I’m delighted by its overall success and by the continued sponsorship by Rainbow Communications which really helps us to put our best foot forward.”
Rainbow Communications has been sponsoring the Belfast Primary Schools’ FA five-a-side for nine years.
Stuart Carson, Sales & Marketing Director at Rainbow, said: “We’re proud to be putting our name to what is a truly superb, community-led grassroots initiative and we are thrilled to see so many children really embracing the competition and doing their best to progress.
“There are several great ingredients in this tournament – exercise, camaraderie, competition and fun – and everyone is welcome to take part.
"Congratulations to everyone involved.”
